Tephejez Jazz

11/11/09

Favorite Place in Downtown

by jmart157 at Citysearch

I've been to Tephejez probably 25 times. I love this hot spot. The first time I went, I was invited by a fellow friend of mine who subbed in on drums for the band. I came down, met all of the band (A.J. - Guitar - has played with anyone and everyone you can think of! T.D. - Bass, Gino - Drums (formerly was Jeremiah), Eddie on trombone (high school friend of mine!) The bartenders are sweet and flirty, very friendly. They want to meet you and know you. Phe, the owner, and her father, Philip are two wonderful people. I'm considered part of the family, and my color does not matter in the venue (very caucasion). I'm greeted by everyone and get hugs from the staff.

They take care of me, so I take care of them. I've only been turned away once because of attire, but that was on Phe's birthday - the place was packed and I was just stopping by, so it didn't matter to me. I feel like what I'm charged for what I drink is appropriate, though they can add up fast if you're a quick drinker.

Love love love this place

• Pros: Friendly and Personal Staff
• Cons: Drink costs... maybe?

07/20/08

CROOKS

by EllaF at Citysearch

I came to this tiny, trifling club to celebrate with some friends who had gotten married earlier that day. No only did the front desk NOT hear about their party, but they charged a cover for my date and I.--After the bride and groom had ALREADY paid for their guests. The daughter of the groom told me to see if they would take care of a drink or refund my money or something. The manager said that she wasn't working the door that night or she would, and that since my card had been processed, that I could not receive a refund. Not only that, but she said she would NOT comp any drinks either.

They also had lost the wedding couple's reservation for their scrub-esque VIP room (with a birthday cake & mystery meat included), and so the happy couple was forced to compete downstairs at their tiny, crude, "club" for a seat on the bench. Finally two & a half hours after they arrived, they went in to the "VIP" room. The drinks were RIDICULOUSLY small (1/3 cup sized high ball for $8) and overpriced. The bar tender on both levels was rude, ignored people taking their sweet time to get around to doing their jobs, and were annoyed when asked for some water even though it is required by law. The entire staff was also very shady and tacky to anyone that was white or latino, making many of the wedding guests feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.--Most of them left. The ONLY redeeming quality after all of the trials and tribulations was the jazz band on the second floor, which was decent....but I don't think it's worth coming back for. Finally, I got home at the end of the night checked my online banking and came to see that the receptionist at the front desk had helped herself to an additional $4 tip after tax and cover charges, even though I signed my debit card receipt for EXACTLY $4 less. These scrubs are out to take anyone they can for whatever they can, and don't really worry about the repercussions.

• Pros: B-rate Jazz Band
• Cons: EVERYTHING ELSE

04/24/08

BEST JAZZ CLUB

by babygirl0814 at Citysearch

I HAVE VISITED THIS CLUB SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE HAD A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE FROM BEGINNING TO END. THE OWNER IS A WONDERFUL PERSON WHO GREETS YOU WHEN SHE SEES YOU. ME AND MY FRIENDS COME THERE FROM WACO,AUSTIN, AND THE TEMPLE-KILLEEN AREA AND WE HAVE THE BEST TIME. THE MUSIC IS SO SOOTHING AND THE BAND IS GREAT. THE FOOD IS WONDERFUL IT COULD BE MORE BECAUSE IT GOES FAST BUT OTHER THAN THAT IT WAS GREAT. THE UPSTAIRS AREA WAS NICE FOR MY YOUNGER NIECES AND NEPHEWS WHEN I TOOK THEM. I VENTURED UP THERE A COUPLE OF TIMES AND HAD A GOOD TIME. I LIKE THIS CLUB CAUSE IT IS CHIC AND RESERVED. THEY MUST HAVE JUST STARTED VALET PARKING. THE LAST TIME I WENT THE BAND DID MY FAVORITE PERFORMER AND LET ME TELL YOU I THOUGHT I WAS BACK IN THE 70S LISTENING TO FRANKIE BEVERLY AND MAZE. IT IS TRULY A PLACE EVERY COUPLE SHOULD VISIT. THIS CLUB IS WONDERFUL, I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE THE WAIT STAFF ARE WONDERFUL. IT DOES GET STUFFY ON SATURDAY SO GET THERE EARLY TO GET A GOOD SEAT.

• Pros: IF IT'S YOUR FIRST TIME GO EARLY FOR GOOD SEATS
• Cons: VERY CROWDED ON WEEKENDS